Spider Veins in Leg

Spider Veins in Leg

Spider veins, known medically as telangiectasia, are fine thread-like veins in blue or red. They can appear almost anywhere, but they most often show on the legs, ankles, face, chest, and abdomen. They sit close to the surface of the skin. On the legs, you will usually see them on the outer thigh and the upper third of the calf.

Larger blue veins called reticular veins often feed them. These reticular veins lie deeper in the skin. Spider veins themselves are very tiny and measure less than 1 mm.

Dr. Yazdani is one of the few female phlebologists trained by doctors in Australia and abroad in minimally invasive treatment procedures.

What Causes Spider Veins in Leg?

These veins form when blood collects in the small vessels near the skin's surface. Genetics, obesity, trauma, and hormonal changes can all play a role. Sun damage, pregnancy, and underlying varicose veins can contribute too. In many cases, the exact cause stays unknown.

They also become more common with age. People over 30 and pregnant women see them most often. The veins can cover a small patch of skin or a much wider area, from the thigh down to the ankle, and sometimes in the vaginal area during pregnancy.

Risks of Leaving Spider Veins in Leg Untreated

These veins are usually a cosmetic concern rather than a medical one. Often, though, an underlying varicose vein feeds them. When that link exists, treating the spider veins alone will not work. The larger vein needs treatment first, or the smaller veins will return.

Signs & Symptoms to Look Out For

On their own, these veins rarely cause symptoms. If varicose veins sit behind them, you may notice the following:

• An achy or heavy feeling in your legs
• Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping, and swelling in your lower legs
• Worse pain after you sit or stand for a long time
• Itching around one or more of your veins
• Skin discolouration around a varicose vein

Effective Treatment Options for Spider Veins in Leg

The right treatment depends on the cause. If an underlying varicose vein feeds the veins, Dr. Yazdani treats that larger vein first. Without this step, the treatment will not succeed.

When no larger vein feeds them, direct vision sclerotherapy works best. The treated vein can look darker for a while, until your body absorbs it. Visit Melbourne's most reviewed clinic to clear your vein conditions with minimal after-effects.

Recovery and Post-Treatment Care

At Melbourne Varicose Vein, we allow around 60 minutes for your first consultation. This gives us time to review your medical and family history in detail. From there, we can pinpoint the root cause and plan the right treatment for you. If this affects you, please get in touch and we will guide you on the next steps.